In a unique overturn of public decorum, an angry Ranchi couple went on the rampage on Thursday and beat up a traffic policeman who had fined the man Rs 100 for not wearing a helmet, amateur videos of the incident shot by bystanders doing rounds on WhatsApp.

Basudev Mahto (42) and Pummy (38), have been arrested by Doranda police under Sections 353 (assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging his duty), 147 (rioting), 148 (rioting armed with deadly weapon), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace) and 341 (punishment for wrongful restraint).

Trouble started at 11.15am, when Basudev, riding his bike (JH 01W 0278) helmet-less with wife Pummy on pillion, was stopped near AG More by traffic ASI Dinesh Thakur who was conducting a safety drive.

Getting the Rs 100 challan, Basudev, who apparently drives the car of former labour commissioner Simon Topno, shouted how the policeman dared to fine him.

"I issued a challan of Rs 100 to a man for riding without helmet under Sections 129 and 177 of Motor Vehicle Act. Basudev not only refused to pay, he insisted I should release his bike. I asked my subordinates Amit Kumar Bharti and Sunil Kumar Mishra to take his bike to Doranda police station. He was angry with me but did go to Doranda station and got his bike released after paying the fine," said ASI Thakur.

This was not the end.

Three hours later, Basudev, Pummy as well as 45 unknown people turned up at AG More when Thakur was still conducting the traffic drive. Then, Basudev and Pummy started thrashing ASI Thakur.

Basudev had with him a small stick while Pummy used her slippers to good effect, both thrashing the policeman, while their supporters created chaos in the area for half an hour till a desperate Thakur contacted Doranda police.

Doranda police arrested Basudev and Pummy and the rest melted away.

"We have video footage where the couple are using abusive language and thrashing Thakur with a stick and footwear. We will produce the footage before court," said a police officer in Doranda.

Basudev and Pummy claimed Thakur and other cops abused and manhandled them.

Ranchi traffic SP Sanjay Ranjan Singh said some people felt it was their privilege to ride without helmets. If they are stopped, they feel offended. They (the couple) will be punished under law," he said.